Halebidu Kedareshwara Temple is located in Halebidu in Hassan district of Karnataka state. It is 01 km away from the famous Hoysaleswara temple. The temple was built by the Hoysala king Vira Ballala II and his queen Kethaladevi. The main deity there is Shiva.
Halebidu Kedareshwara Temple is 211.4 kilometers from Bangalore and 32.8 kilometers from Hassan. Located at a distance of 32.8 km from Hassan railway station.
History
King Vira Ballala II of the Hoysala Empire commissioned the temple around AD 1219, when the empire was at the height of its power and prosperity. Like its more famous neighbour, the Hoysaleshwar Temple, the Kedareshwar Temple reflects the magnificence and devotion of the Hoysala kings with a focus on the worship of Shiva.
Architecture
The Kedareshwara Temple is built in the Hoysala style of architecture, which is distinctive for its detailed stonework, star-shaped platforms and the use of soapstone. The temple is designed in Trikuta (three-shrine) design, which qualifies as Trikuta, a structure of three temples. Usually in trikutas, only the central shrine has a tower while the side shrines are virtually hidden behind thick outer walls and appear to be a part of the hall. Although a Shaiva temple (associated with Lord Shiva) it is known for its friezes and panel reliefs with depictions from both Shaiva and Vaishnava (associated with Lord Vishnu) legends.
Sculpture
The Kedareshwara Temple is built of Balpada stone. The Western Chalukyas first popularized the use of plastered stone, which became standard with Hoysala architects of the 12th and 13th centuries. The temple stands on a platform called jagati, which is usually five to six feet high and can be reached by steps.
